Changes

In the Indian Knowledge Systems, though no single work devoted to botany is known, the knowledge of botany among Indians is well known from Vedas, works on Ayurveda, Krshishastra, Arthashastra and the lexicons. Terms like [[Vrikshayurveda (वृक्षायुर्वेद)|Vrikshayurveda]] and Vanaspati vidya tell us that knowledge of botany flourished in the past and its principles and findings were the foundations to applied sciences such as [[Sasya Veda (सस्यवेदः)|agriculture]], and [[Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदः)|ayurveda]].  There are many legends which indicate that ancient Indians had several beliefs associated with trees. Plant life was regarded sacred and worshipped.     

In the Indian Knowledge Systems, though no single work devoted to botany is known, the knowledge of botany among Indians is well known from Vedas, works on Ayurveda, Krshishastra, Arthashastra and the lexicons. Terms like [[Vrikshayurveda (वृक्षायुर्वेद)|Vrikshayurveda]] and Vanaspati vidya tell us that knowledge of botany flourished in the past and its principles and findings were the foundations to applied sciences such as [[Sasya Veda (सस्यवेदः)|agriculture]], and [[Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदः)|ayurveda]].  There are many legends which indicate that ancient Indians had several beliefs associated with trees. Plant life was regarded sacred and worshipped.     

We find a mention of plants, their medicinal properties, uses as food grains, in yajnas, as wood and timber etc in various texts such as     

We find a mention of plants, their medicinal properties, uses as food grains, in yajnas, as wood and timber etc., in various texts such as     

# Vedas - [[Samhita (संहिता)|Samhitas]], [[Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्)|Brahmanas]], [[Aranyaka (आरण्यकम्)|Aranyakas]] and [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishads]] of [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]], [[Yajurveda (यजुर्वेदः)|Yajurveda]], [[Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः)|Atharvaveda]] describe plant life extensively with reference to food grains, samidhas in yajnas, seasonal.<ref name=":5" />

# Vedas - [[Samhita (संहिता)|Samhitas]], [[Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्)|Brahmanas]], [[Aranyaka (आरण्यकम्)|Aranyakas]] and [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishads]] of [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]], [[Yajurveda (यजुर्वेदः)|Yajurveda]], [[Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः)|Atharvaveda]] describe plant life extensively with reference to food grains, samidhas in yajnas, seasonal crops.<ref name=":5" />

# Dharmasutras - Gobhilagrihya-sutra mentions that Asvattha brings danger of fire to one’s residence and that Udumbara leads to a series of optical diseases.

# Dharmasutras - Gobhilagrihya-sutra mentions that Asvattha brings danger of fire to one’s residence and that Udumbara leads to a series of optical diseases.

# Puranas - Agnipurana, Matsyapurana, and Vayupurana mention about plants and their classification, plant parts and their usage.

# Puranas - Agnipurana, Matsyapurana, and Vayupurana mention about plants and their classification, plant parts and their usage.

All these parts are Amṛtasya–Sweet in content

All these parts are Amṛtasya–Sweet in content

The main trunk part of the tree is called Prakand or skanda (stem) from where branches spread out. The trees having a very strong stem/ trunk are termed as vanaspati or vaanaspati. A Lata/valli/vratati is one that cannot stand upright on its own.   

The main trunk part of the tree is called Prakand or skanda (stem) from where branches spread out. The trees having a very strong stem/ trunk are termed as vanaspati or vaanaspati. A Lata/valli/vratati is one that cannot stand upright on its own.<ref name=":12" />  

==== Morphological characteristics ====

==== Morphological characteristics ====

Morphological features were well identified in Indian treatises.<ref name=":8" />  

Morphological features were well identified in Indian treatises.<ref name=":8" />

* the number of leaflets in a compound leaf (e.g. Saptaparṇa (सप्तपर्ण) is identified with ''Alstonia scholaris'' (the blackboard tree)),  

* the number of leaflets in a compound leaf (e.g. Saptaparṇa (सप्तपर्ण) is identified with ''Alstonia scholaris'' (the blackboard tree)),  

Plant physiology is the study of the vital processes of plant life. It deals with the functioning of plants. Plant physiology studies the ways in which plants absorb minerals and water, grow and develop, flower and bear fruit. It also deals with mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, respiration, and biosynthesis and the accumulation of substances which together enable plants to grow and reproduce themselves.<ref name=":3" />  

Plant physiology is the study of the vital processes of plant life. It deals with the functioning of plants. Plant physiology studies the ways in which plants absorb minerals and water, grow and develop, flower and bear fruit. It also deals with mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, respiration, and biosynthesis and the accumulation of substances which together enable plants to grow and reproduce themselves.<ref name=":3" />  

* Acharya Sushruta emphasized on four important aspects for sprouting to take place (1)  

* Acharya Sushruta in the context of conception and development of a healthy child mentions the requirements similar to the proper season (Ritu), good soil (Kshetra), water (containing nutrient matter) and vigorous seeds (Bija) together with proper care, help the germination of strong and undiseased sprouts. ऋतुक्षेत्राम्बुबीजानां सामग्र्यादङ्कुरो यथा (Sush. Shari. 2.33)<ref>Sushruta Samhita ([https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/sushruta-samhita-volume-3-sharirasthana/d/doc142880.html Sharirasthana Adhyaya 2])</ref>

 

Vrkshayurveda which literally means 'the science of plant life' is known to have existed in ancient India. Parasara's treatise on Vrkshayurveda, divided into six kandas, and further into sub-chapters, covers many basic aspects of Botany. The text gives an exposition as to how the first living cell came into existence and traces the origin of life from water. It gives a classification of lands in the approach of Sushruta and Charaka samhitas. It provides rare and valuable information as to the distribution of forests in ancient India.<ref name=":14">Sircar, N. N and Sarkar, R. (1996) ed., ''Vrksayurveda of Parasara, Sanskrit text, English Translation and notes with comparative references to modern Botany'' Delhi: Sri Satguru Publications</ref>

 

 

'''Parts of a Leaf (4.10)''' - Patrapakshan (Leaf blade or lamina), Vrntam (Petiole), Patrasira (Veins), Rasakosha (Cells), Maarhi (Rachis), Vistaara (Tendril), Pattika (Leaf Sheath) are the different parts of a leaf. Leaves take in air, heat, and colorific principles (4.8)

 

'''Parts of a flower (5.6)''' - Vallari (Inflorescence), Vrnta (Pedicel), Jalaka (Calyx), Dala (Corolla), Kesara (Stamens), Paraga (Pollen), Kinjalka (Anther), Parimala (Fragrance), Maranda (Nectar), Bijadhara (Ovary), Varataka (Style), Sthalaka (Thalamus). Floral characteristics of some families are also described.

 

=== Growth Habitats ===

=== Growth Habitats ===

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|Vayu Purana

|Vayu Purana

|<ref name=":10" />

|वृक्षा गुल्मलतावल्लीवीरुधस्तृणजातयः ।।१५०।।

 

 

मूलैः फलैश्च रोहिण्यो गृह्णन् पुष्पैश्च जायते। (Vayu. 8.150)<ref>Vayupurana [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AE (Adhyaya 8])</ref>

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